Keep it Simple with GarageBand - Easy Music Projects for Beginners
reviewed by Daphne Kalfon
Author: Keith Gemmell PC Publishing http://www.pc-publishing.com/kisg.html Released: April 2006 Pages: 96 $18.75 USD, $21 CND, Ł9.95 GBP, 12,48 Ű Euro ISBN: 1870775163 Beginner/Amateur Strengths: This book is brimming with the very kind of information that any person new to music-making would want to know and have on hand as they delve into GarageBand for the first time. A great starter book. Weaknesses: None found. Other Reviews: http://www.atpm.com/12.08/kiswg.shtml |
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With the ever-growing popularity of Apple products, itŐs no wonder that this component of the well-loved iLife family, GarageBand, is drawing so many people of diverse backgrounds into exploring and experimenting with the joys of music-making.
Author Keith Gemmell, who is also a music tech lecturer, composer and arranger, has written a wonderful little book to help people get started with GarageBand.
The book is divided into ten chapters, each of which is essentially a music-making project. Each project focuses on just a few key concepts. For example, Project 1 deals with Time and Tempo, Project 2 deals with the rhythm section, Project 3 with arranging instruments and sounds, and further on in the book, projects cover more advanced concepts such as Project 8 - adding signal effects processing to vocal tracks and Project 10 - the final mix.
Throughout the book, there are black and white snapshots of whatever window/menu is being discussed in GarageBand, as well as pictures of any recording gear he discusses, both of which serve as additional helpful guides to the reader.
In Chapter/Project 6, the author makes helpful recommendations, such as which MIDI keyboard to buy for playing GarageBandŐs software instruments, as well as a recommendation of a good virtual instrument to download, accompanied by the direct link, if one wants to experiment for example with a virtual synth to use with GarageBand. IŐll have to check that one out myself...
In addition to working with and learning how to record GarageBandŐs software instruments, the reader also learns how to record audio - a simple voice-over track in Project 7. This chapter also includes helpful information for those considering the purchase of additional gear, such as mic cables, adapters, USB and FireWire audio and MIDI interfaces, microphones, headphones and speakers.
This book has two unique and very useful features. One is that as you complete each of the projects, you have the option of downloading the authorŐs version of it from http://www.pc-publishing.com/downloads.html for easy comparison. And as each project is based on the one before it, you also have the option of either continuing on with your own version or picking up the authorŐs version and going from there.
The other feature I really like is that at the end of each project, you have the option of completing one or more suggested assignments to further solidify the concepts you have learned in that chapter.
These assignments are followed by further tidbits of info for those who would like to dig a little more.
As well, another thing which I feel makes the book really fun and interesting is that throughout the book, the author sprinkles little ŇTipÓ and ŇInfoÓ windows about whatever concept is being explained on that page. I think itŐs a really neat way to impart more information without seeming overwhelming. The eye just wants to go and read it, and see what itŐs all about.
For example, for the very first project, Time and Tempo, there is a little ŇInfoÓ window along the right hand column of the page, explaining to the reader what a metronome is and the history behind it. I must say that even I learned a lot as I leafed through the book reading these little windows, and that it was a fun experience, which is always a bonus.
Conclusion
This book is well-written, easy to understand and full of timely and useful tips, information, recommendations and advice. I could easily see a reader wanting to delve further into the more advanced concepts of music-making after having absorbed everything this book has to offer.
